blue note

noun

, Jazz.

1. a flatted note, especially the third or the seventh degree of the scale, recurring frequently in blues and jazz as a characteristic feature.

blue note

noun

1. jazz a flattened third or seventh, used frequently in the blues

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue note¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Uplifting and glorious, with bittersweet blue notes and a swing buoyed by faith alone, Tines took us to church with it, prompting at least one “Hallelujah” from the audience.

From New York Times

He was embarrassed to raise his hand to get help, so Flournoy and his teachers devised a system where he would place a blue note card on his desk when he needed assistance.

From Seattle Times

And the British folk scene is particularly specific and it doesn’t have any of the glissando and the kind of flattened thirds, kind of blue notes which I have spent my life bathing in.

From Washington Post

Gaga’s voice so badly wants to understand jazz, but whenever she tries to swirl a blue note in the back of her throat, it always comes out teal.

From Washington Post

“We always allow room for each player to have their say — to play the uncharted note, the blue note, the unscheduled thing,” Chess says.

From Washington Post